Hr Challenges with Qld Coal Mining Industry
1. Introduction
The sudden boom in the resource sector worldwide due to energy demands from mature and emerging industrialized nations has led to numerous issues. From a Human Resource Management perspective, this quick expansion of the resource sector has led to labour shortage with both skilled and professional work force. The need for effectively managing labour poses a number of challenges to Human Resource Management.
I’m working in Coal Handling and Preparation Department within a coal mine in Bowen Basin area, Central Queensland. The location of the mine is quite remote, and the nearby town is not able to provide enough accommodations. As such, majority of the work force choose the option of DIDO / FIFO (Drive-In – Drive-Out / Fly-In – Fly-Out). Majority of the work force reside close to Mackay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg and Townsville, which take them from 3 to 7 hours drive to get to work, posing a safety issue. There is a charter flight to an airport about 1.5 hours drive from the mine provided for those who live further like Gold Coast or Brisbane. Because of its remoteness, attraction and retention of employees are always a challenge for the organization. As a consequence, Human Resource has to modify organizational structure in order to fit the amount of people available on site. Existing staff need to take on extra responsibilities. They engaged a few contractors to fill in some empty positions that can’t be covered by existing staff.
2. Reflect & Analyze
2.1 Workforce Planning
Nearly all organizations within Australian Coal Mining Industry failed to properly plan their skill requirements for increasing production and further expansion in the region due to a decade of downturn and the sudden boom. The skills required for the coal industry include not only trade skills, but professional skills, like engineers, geologists, environmentalists and accountants. It requires a proper workforce planning and skill development strategy to meet
The sudden boom in the resource sector worldwide due to energy demands from mature and emerging industrialized nations has led to numerous issues. From a Human Resource Management perspective, this quick expansion of the resource sector has led to labour shortage with both skilled and professional work force. The need for effectively managing labour poses a number of challenges to Human Resource Management.
I’m working in Coal Handling and Preparation Department within a coal mine in Bowen Basin area, Central Queensland. The location of the mine is quite remote, and the nearby town is not able to provide enough accommodations. As such, majority of the work force choose the option of DIDO / FIFO (Drive-In – Drive-Out / Fly-In – Fly-Out). Majority of the work force reside close to Mackay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg and Townsville, which take them from 3 to 7 hours drive to get to work, posing a safety issue. There is a charter flight to an airport about 1.5 hours drive from the mine provided for those who live further like Gold Coast or Brisbane. Because of its remoteness, attraction and retention of employees are always a challenge for the organization. As a consequence, Human Resource has to modify organizational structure in order to fit the amount of people available on site. Existing staff need to take on extra responsibilities. They engaged a few contractors to fill in some empty positions that can’t be covered by existing staff.
2. Reflect & Analyze
2.1 Workforce Planning
Nearly all organizations within Australian Coal Mining Industry failed to properly plan their skill requirements for increasing production and further expansion in the region due to a decade of downturn and the sudden boom. The skills required for the coal industry include not only trade skills, but professional skills, like engineers, geologists, environmentalists and accountants. It requires a proper workforce planning and skill development strategy to meet
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